News
News

Lawrenceville man dies while diving off Florida Keys

The 46-year-old Spiegel Grove begins to sink off Key Largo, Fla., on May 17, 2002, after accidentally taking on more water while crews were preparing to scuttle her to create the world’s largest artificial reef. A Lawrenceville man died Monday while diving in the area. (AP file photo)
The 46-year-old Spiegel Grove begins to sink off Key Largo, Fla., on May 17, 2002, after accidentally taking on more water while crews were preparing to scuttle her to create the world’s largest artificial reef. A Lawrenceville man died Monday while diving in the area. (AP file photo)
By
May 8, 2017

A Gwinnett County man died Monday morning while on a diving trip off the Florida Keys, according to police.

James Ringold, 52, was on a trip with his wife when other divers located him around 10:15 a.m. in about 50 feet of water, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office in the Keys. Ringold, who was on the commercial dive vessel Rainbow Reef, was unresponsive when he was found with his regulator out of his mouth in the Spiegel Grove area.

Ringold was brought onto the boat, where CPR was performed as he was brought to shore, according to investigators. Paramedics met the vessel and took Ringold to Mariner’s Hospital, where the Lawrenceville man was pronounced dead at 11:41 a.m.

An autopsy is scheduled to determine a cause of death.

The Spiegel Grove is a 510-foot-long former U.S. Navy ship intentionally sunk in 2002 as a dive site in around 80 feet of water, the Florida Keys News reported. It is located about six miles off the Key Largo coast.

About the Author

Alexis Stevens is a member of the Crime and Public Safety team.

Follow Alexis Stevens on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

After surviving Andersonville Prison, Union Army veteran Thomas O’Dea completed this drawing of it from memory in 1885. “In all the annals of civilization and barbarism, there never was, and I doubt never will be, such another place as Andersonville,” O’Dea wrote. “No truer sentence ever passed the lips of man, than when this was called the ‘Hell Upon Earth.’" (Courtesy National Park Service)

Credit: Thomas O'Dea/National Park Service

‘Hell Upon Earth’ Memorial: The story behind Georgia Civil War drawing

The story behind Thomas O’Dea's harrowing drawing of the Confederates' Andersonville Prison in Georgia. Memorial Day events will be held at the site this weekend.

Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day: Do you know the difference?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says people frequently confuse the two holidays.

Video: Why Ludacris says Atlanta is still Black Hollywood

The Latest

Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. celebrates with Atlanta Braves’ Ozzie Albies (1) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

He had a feeling: Ronald Acuña Jr. hits home run in first at-bat back with Braves

‘Hell Upon Earth’ Memorial: The story behind Georgia Civil War drawing

Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day: Do you know the difference?

Featured

High tide flooding in the Hogg Hummock Community on Sapelo Island threatens the residents' way of life. (Justin Taylor for the AJC)

Credit: Justin Taylor for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Saving Sapelo: Can a historic Black community stay above the waves?

Rising sea levels are forcing communities up and down the East Coast to adapt. With its meager infrastructure, few are as vulnerable as Hogg Hummock.

Midtown Atlanta eyesore acquired for future park in eight-figure deal

The Midtown Improvement District closed on its purchase of the 4-acre undeveloped lot at 98 14th St.

MARTA boss: Safety is a ‘north star’ focus as transit agency tries to attract more riders

Safety is part of a trifecta of factors CEO Collie Greenwood says is key, but incidents like the May 18 shooting on a train near the East Point station showcase the challenge.